A LOCAL pensioner will be having a flaming good week, as she has been selected to carry the Olympic torch as it makes its journey across the North. Ormeau volunteer worker Mary McCarney was chosen from thousands of worthy applicants to run a stretch of the torch route this Thursday, and will be cheered on by hundreds of well-wishers as she carries the flame in the Co Derry town of Magherafelt.

SQUINTER was in Moneymore with the big guy to attend Saturday’s vintage car rally at the National Trust’s Springhill House. A good day was had by all, but as usual at such events the catering was not what you’d call epicurean. And with all that fresh air and bejasus accents putting an edge the appetite, we decided we’d eat in Magherafelt on the way home.